FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Pleasant Valley and Camden Avenues

Moorestown, New Jersey

A community of faith committed to sharing the love of Jesus Christ with a hurting world through words and actions

DECEMBER 3, 2006                                FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT                    11:00 A.M. Service

LARGE PRINT BULLETINS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE NARTHEX

HEARING DEVICES ARE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST FROM USHERS

Numbers in the bulletin refer to pages in the United Methodist Hymn book located in the pews

 

 

   PRELUDE                                            People, Look East                               arranged by Lamb

                                                           Adult Handbell Ringers

  GREETING

 

   INTROIT

 

  LIGHTING OF THE FIRST ADVENT CANDLE – THE CANDLE OF HOPE                             

 

*OPENING HYMN 202                            People, Look East

 

*OPENING PRAYER:    

Keep us, O Lord, while we tarry on this earth, in a serious seeking after you,
and in a heartfelt walking with you, every day of our lives;  
so that when you come, we may be found not hiding our talent,
nor serving the flesh, nor asleep with our lamps empty,
but waiting and longing for our Lord, our glorious King, forever and ever.  Amen.
(From Richard Baxter, 1615 – 91)

 

  CALL TO PRAYER 211                   O Come, O Come, Emmanuel                                Verse 1

 

  PASTORAL PRAYER   

 

  WE CELEBRATE OUR LIFE IN CHRIST

We welcome all who are worshiping with us this morning.  Please fill out the blue-colored card that you will find in the bulletin.  Write any special prayer requests on the back, and pass them face down to the center aisle.

 

  PRESENTATION OF OUR GIFTS AND TITHES

 

  MINISTRY OF MUSIC                    Lord Jesus Quickly Come                                          Curry

                                                                   Adult Choir                                                            

 

* DOXOLOGY 94

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below: Alleluia, Alleluia!

Praise God the source of all our Gifts!  Praise Jesus Christ whose power uplifts!

Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit!  Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

 

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

 

  SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

        The Sacrament of Baptism will be administered to: Avery Blaine LaMonica

        born September 7, 2006 to Anthony and Piper LaMonica

 

*HYMN OF PREPARATION 195              Send Your Word

 

  SCRIPTURE READING                          Luke 21:25 - 36                                                         

 

  SERMON                                            “People, Get Ready!”                           Pastor Steve Donat

 

  THE GREAT THANKSGIVING               Musical Setting A                                            Page 17

 

  GIVING THE BREAD AND CUP

        In the United Methodist Church all Christians are welcome to receive Communion.  As you   come forward to receive the Elements, you may stand if you are unable to kneel.  If you are             unable to come forward, let an usher know, and the Elements will be brought to you.

 

  HYMNS DURING COMMUNION

184 Of the Father’s Love Begotten                          216  Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming

206  I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light v.1      218  It Came Upon the Midnight Clear vs. 1&4     

206  I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light v.3     219 What Child Is This vs. 1 & 3

 

  PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

 

*RECESSIONAL HYMN 246                    Joy to the World

 

*BENEDICTION

 

*POSTLUDE

*While the congregation stands, those who would find this uncomfortable may remain seated.

 

 

A NOTE TO PARENTS

We love children and your little ones are welcome in our worship service.  On those days when your child is fussy, the parlor located behind the sanctuary provides an excellent place to care for your child and still participate in the worship service.

Child care is provided for infants and children up to 2 years old in the Education Building during Sunday school and worship hours. 

 

USHERS: Ed White, Ralph Adamson, Garth Berner, Gene Foster, Rob Kazmierski

GREETERS: Pleasant Valley: Rick and Linda Young

                       Camden Avenue: Dean and Jodi Whitman

 

COMMUNION USHERS: Bill Potter, Glen Haegele, Paul Gager, Gene Foster

 

ACOLYTES:  Michelle Machamer, Stephen Machamer

 

ATTENDANCE LAST WEEK:  Worship: 533              Sunday School: 162

 

THE CHANCEL BOUQUETS HAVE BEEN GIVEN BY: Brian & Melissa O’Donnell, to the Glory of God and in memory of his brother, John O’Donnell.  Also by: Don & Fern Knerr in honor of their grandchildren, Emily, Jeremy, Ricky, Jessica.

THE ROSEBUD ON THE ALTAR IS TO WELCOME: Grace Wang Scheyhing, born February 8, 2006 to Glenn & Susan Scheyhing.  The grandparents are Bob & Nan Scheyhing.

PRAYER CONCERNS: Steve Greer, Faye Sienkiewicz,  Mary Louise Shingleton, Kathleen Barnwell (mother of Leslie Proctor), Tom Langshaw, Jean Janssen (sister of Sue Adams), Edna Hofmann (Carla McIlmail’s mother), Lidio Zezza (Lucy Vogt’s father), Gary Falis (Lucy Vogt’s brother-in-law),  Christine Crane, Francis Staffieri (Carol Taylor’s father).

PRAYERS AND SYMPATHY TO: PRAYERS AND SYMPATHY TO: Maureen VanArtsdalen & family on the death of her father, Robert Ryan

SERVING IN IRAQ:  Mark Dougherty, Jr., grandson of Marilyn McClendon, David Wichmann, friend of Rick & Linda Young, Scott Berner, grandson of Ray & Jean Berner, Michael Gala (cousin of Sue Lewis, nephew of Chris Fisher).

 

The Staff of First United Methodist Church

                            Stephen Donat, Senior Pastor                              Joan Armstrong, Administrative Assistant

                            HeyYoung Horton, Associate Pastor                 Karen Halligan, Membership Secretary

                            Glenn Rodgers, Director of Music                      Sue Harris, Parish Nurse

                            Karen Murray, Director of Christian Ed.         Curt Diehl, Property Maint. Coordinator

                                                                                                               

Church Office Contacts

                                  Phone: 856-235-0450                                        Fax: 856-235-2722

                                  E-mail: church@meetwithGod.com               Website: www.meetwithGod.com

(CCLI License No. 782839)